Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • Sunsets

    Starting tomorrow, we gain an extra hour to walk and catch the colorful sunsets. Busy work schedule ahead- sale and rental appointments both Saturday and Sunday.  Have a great weekend!

  • Spring Weekend

    Definitely FEELS like spring: longer days and a chilly sea breeze!  When the weather report predicts 70 degrees, we know it’s likely to be at least 10 degrees cooler by the beach.

    Speaking of the beach- Saturday is the 2nd annual Stone Harbor Shiver.  There will be a pre-plunge party on Friday night, and the crazy people will meet on the 96th Street beach at 12 noon on Saturday.  For more information: http://www.stoneharborbeach.com

    This is also the weekend to spring clean the house and garage, and/or treasure hunt in Stone Harbor.  The first bulk trash pick up of the year is on Monday, March 12th.

  • Shore Storms

    Today is the 50th anniversary of the Storm of ’62, a brutal Nor’easter that caused extensive damage along the Jersey shore.

    My grandparents and several aunts/uncles already lived in Avalon full time, and my parents moved down the following year. 

    Over the years, I’ve heard numerous stories about the ’62 storm- from descriptions of fishing cottages washed away; to owners bragging about their well built, still standing homes.

    When you live on a barrier island, storms and weather become part of your existence.  Residents know the flooding patterns based on tides and wind direction.  And, we are in awe when Mother Nature puts on a good show.

    For every beautiful location, there is an associated, natural risk.  As a real estate agent, I know it’s important to share my experiences, and put the risk in perspective.   The island is my place of business…and my home.

  • Back on the Beach

    Warm sun and salt air- good to be back to the beach.

    For our family visit, we drove through the scenic mountains of western Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.   There are beautiful homes throughout that area- sitting high on a ridge -surrounded by acres of open land.   My impression?  I wondered how the residents cope with such an isolated existence.

    So when we drove over the bridge last night, in to our sleepy little beach town; down our dark street with empty homes on all sides…I laughed.  I guess we are equally as isolated in our own way 😉

  • A Better View

    Thankfully,  I was out early this morning for my beach walk.  And, just in time for a beautiful sunrise 🙂

    Within a few hours, the view dramatically changed as the heavy rain arrived.  Dreary day…

    By the way, I will be out of the office for a few days.  If you need to reach me,  the best is e-mail  ann@anndelaney.com    Back in on Monday 3/5.

  • Family Activities

    The Cape May County Park and Zoo is a popular family destination- located just 10 minutes inland from Avalon / Stone Harbor.  AND, the facilities are open year round.

    We walked through the park and zoo last week on a day too windy for the beach.  No crowds and the animals were out awaiting their breakfast! 

    On the island, families are within walking distance, or an easy bike ride from one of the seven playground areas.

    8th Street, 30th Street, 39th Street, and 74th Street in Avalon; 81st Street, 97th, and 106th Street in Stone Harbor.

    In addition, both communities offer extensive summer programs (for all ages) through the recreation department. Links on my blog roll (right hand side of the page), and on www.powerplayrealty.com

  • Sunday Sights

    I had company on the beach this morning…hundreds of birds! 

    Colder temperatures, yet calmer winds and a warm sun.  A nice way to start the day.

  • Dune Grass Planting

    Stone Harbor is actively planting dune grass on the restored dunes between 92nd and 111th Streets.  The grass holds the sand in place and allows the dunes to build up naturally over time.

    I watched the crew yesterday: one man operated a  power tool to dig the holes, while others followed behind with stalks of grass. Very efficient system.

    My own personal experience of planting dune grass is a bit different.  In the late 1960s,  a local man established a plan for regular dune grass plantings in Avalon.  Mr. Fenton Groff  lived near the beach in the south end, and understood the value of preserving the dunes.

    The students at Avalon Elementary participated…with the lure of free hot dogs!  We worked for 3 or 4 hours on Saturday morning, and then returned to the school cafeteria (cold and very sandy) for lunch.  No fancy motorized tools way back then- we were armed with shovels and encouraged to aim for a straight line. 

    Like so many events of my childhood, dune grass plantings are a fun memory- and definitely unique to life at the shore!

  • More Spring Weather

    Nice weather forecast for the next few days.  I’m sure there will be beach walking 😉

  • Sunday Sights

     

    The over hyped “blizzard” will (thankfully) only produce a few flurries later tonight.  Based on the number of cars in town, the weather forecast did not scare property owners and visitors from spending the weekend at the shore. 

    Presidents’ Weekend is the traditional start of our sale and summer rental season.  Here’s to a busy 2012!